Update

Baptized into Christ

A mother and baby from Redeeming Life Outreach Ministries’ maternity home in East Dundee, Ill., join God’s family.

Story by Megan K. Mertz | Photography by Erik M. Lunsford | Summer 2026

March 28, 2026, was a joyous day at Immanuel Lutheran Church, East Dundee, Ill., as a mother and baby from nearby Redeeming Life Outreach Ministries’ maternity home were welcomed into God’s family through the waters of Holy Baptism.

The mother, who is from a Buddhist background, came to Redeeming Life last summer with little familiarity with Christianity. But through the love and care she received from maternity home staff, volunteers, and the pastors and members of Immanuel, she soon began to enjoy attending church — a requirement of the program — and became interested in learning more about what Lutherans believe.

Associate Pastor Rev. Adam Tanney, who meets with the residents throughout their time at the maternity home, performed the Baptism. During the service, he told the mother, and all those gathered for the occasion: “You are giving the greatest gift of faith to [your son], and you are receiving a great gift today. One day, we are all going to face death ourselves, but you don’t have to be afraid because Christ is claiming you, and He’s promising you will be raised with Him on the Last Day.”

Learn More

• Read a previous Engage story about the maternity home

Megan K. Mertz

Managing editor of Lutherans Engage the World and chief copy editor for LCMS Communications.